Jahna Golly
My name is Jahna Golly, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) based in Knoxville, TN. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach that honors the whole person—body, mind, and soul. Trauma affects more than just our thoughts; it shapes how we move through the world. That’s why I integrate cognitive therapy, play, creative expression, and somatic practices like movement into sessions, helping clients reconnect with themselves and build a foundation of felt safety. I also believe in the power of collaboration. I love partnering with other community providers and professionals to develop trauma-informed strategies that make a real impact. By working together, we can create safe, empowering, and effective care systems for individuals and families affected by trauma.
These practices, including trauma-informed weightlifting and movement therapy, allow clients to reconnect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems.
First session
I’m committed to creating a space where healing feels possible and sustainable. Together, we’ll build a supportive therapeutic web that nurtures resilience, strengthens relationships, and fosters hope. The environment I offer is flexible, including both indoor, virtual and outdoor options, depending on what feels most supportive for your needs. Whether we’re sitting in a cozy office or stepping outside into nature, my goal is to create an atmosphere that helps you—and your child or family—feel grounded and at ease. When introducing a child or the whole family to sessions, we’ll spend time helping everyone become familiar with the space through gentle exploration and play-based connection. Paperwork & Logistics Before or during our first session, we’ll go over some initial paperwork, including consent forms, privacy policies, and intake documents. If possible, I encourage you to complete these ahead of time so we can maximize our time connecting during the session. If not, we’ll take time together to review them. I’ll also answer any questions you may have about scheduling, communication, and what therapy will look like moving forward. Please note: It’s best not to bring children to the first session without prior conversation. This helps ensure we’re fully prepared and provides space for conversations that are more focused on the caregiver. What We'll Talk About While we may begin to touch on intake-related questions to better understand your story, the focus of our first session is not on gathering information—it’s about beginning a relationship. We’ll move at your pace, gently exploring what brought you here and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. My priority is creating a space where you feel emotionally safe, seen, and heard before diving into deeper therapeutic work or goal-setting. If we’re working with children, I may spend time separately with the child and caregiver, depending on everyone’s comfort level and needs. I always aim to create a sense of safety and familiarity first, so that therapy can feel like a supportive, not pressured, experience. Moving Forward Once that initial foundation of relational safety is in place, we’ll begin collaborating on a plan that feels meaningful and manageable. Healing doesn’t happen on a strict timeline—it unfolds in the context of trust and connection, and we’ll honor that process every step of the way.
Strengths
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in the strategies I utilize to build trust and foster a safe, flexible, and supportive environment for healing. I believe that some of the most effective therapy is grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship, where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. Each individual’s path to healing is unique, and I approach each session with the understanding that progress is achieved at the client’s own pace, in a manner that feels comfortable and empowering to them. I specialize in working with children, families, and individuals who have experienced trauma and attachment challenges, particularly within adoptive families and those impacted by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). My training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) provides a foundation for understanding how trauma affects the brain and the body, guiding me in tailoring therapeutic approaches that prioritize safety, emotional regulation, and secure attachment. In addition to talk therapy, I integrate somatic and body-based practices into my work. These practices, including trauma-informed weightlifting and movement therapy, allow clients to reconnect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems. Recognizing that trauma often resides in the body, I focus on using physical movement as a tool for releasing stored tension and promoting a sense of safety and grounding. Creative expression is another key strength I bring to my practice. I regularly use art, play, and other creative outlets to support emotional processing, particularly for children. These tools provide a safe and nonverbal way for clients to express their emotions and experiences, often unlocking deeper levels of insight and healing that words alone cannot reach. I also emphasize the importance of basic self-care and emotional regulation as part of the therapeutic process. Healing is not just an intellectual or emotional process—it involves attending to the body and mind. Simple practices, such as nourishing the body with food, engaging in sensory activities, or practicing mindful movement, can be foundational in creating the balance necessary for emotional resilience and growth. Lastly, I take a collaborative approach to therapy, recognizing that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a village. Community resources play a vital role in supporting individuals and families on their journey toward holistic wellness. Building a therapeutic web involves connecting with
Ideal clients
I’m passionate about walking alongside children and families as they navigate the challenges of trauma, attachment struggles, and behavioral difficulties. I specialize in supporting adoptive families and those impacted by adverse childhood experiences, helping them find tools for healing, connection, and lasting growth.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
In sessions with children, attachment-based therapy focuses on building a safe and trusting relationship, which becomes a foundation for healing. Through play, storytelling, and emotional attunement, the therapist helps the child explore their feelings and relational experiences. By understanding and responding to the child's attachment needs, the therapist supports the development of more secure, trusting relationships both in and outside of therapy.
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on improving communication, strengthening relationships, and creating healthier patterns within the family system. Sessions often involve exploring each member's role, addressing conflict, and working collaboratively to support the child's emotional and behavioral needs. By involving the family, therapy can create lasting change that supports the child both at home and beyond.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy focuses on supporting individuals—especially children and families—as they navigate the complex emotions associated with loss. It involves specialized approaches that recognize the unique ways grief can present across developmental stages.
Mind-body approach
Mind-body therapy and somatic practices to support healing, regulation, and the development of felt safety in the body. This approach recognizes the body as a central part of the healing process, helping clients reconnect with themselves through movement, strength-building, and nervous system awareness. By fostering empowerment, resilience, and body trust, these practices aid in processing trauma and integrating experiences in a grounded, embodied way. Ie. Trauma informed weightlifting.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a vital component, as it helps caregivers, educators, and clients understand the impact of trauma on the developing brain. By learning about brain development, stress responses, and the sequence of engagement (regulate–relate–reason), individuals are better equipped to respond in developmentally appropriate and compassionate ways. This knowledge empowers caregivers and professionals to create supportive environments that align with the child's neurodevelopmental needs, ultimately promoting healing and resilience.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions2205 Village Pl Way, Knoxville, TN 37923